Amerindian Heritage Month (Guyana)

Amerindian Heritage Month is an annual observance that is held every September in Guyana in honour of Guyana's indigenous peoples.

History

Amerindian Heritage Month has its beginnings in Amerindian commemorations of 10 September 1957 - the day on which Stephen Campbell became Guyana's first Amerindian Member of Parliament.[1][2] On 10 September 1995, Guyana's Prime Minister, Cheddi Jagan, officially designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month.[3][4] In memory of Campbell's achievement, 10 September is still celebrated as "Heritage Day".[5]

Events and festivities

The official opening of Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations takes place at the Umana Yana on the first day of September.[2] Every year a 'Heritage Village' is selected, which becomes the focus of festivities, particularly on 10 September.[2] Previous Heritage Villages include: Aishalton (2011), Sophia (2010), Orealla (2009), and Santa Aratak (2008).[4][6][7][8]

References
  1. GINA (28 August 2003). "Amerindian Heritage Month launching Monday". GINA (Guyana's Government Information Agency). Archived from the original on 29 August 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  2. Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana:The Bradt Travel Guide. UK: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978-1-84162-223-1.
  3. Lall, Jaianand (18 September 2011). "Amerindian Month 2011". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  4. Knews (2 September 2011). "Amerindians usher in Heritage Month 2011". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  5. GINA (12 September 2011). "Heritage Village celebrations highlight contributions of Parliamentarian Stephen Campbell". GINA (Government Information Agency). Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  6. Stabroek Staff (2 September 2010). "Jagdeo promises computer banks - at heritage month launch". Stabroek News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  7. Knews (29 August 2009). "Orealla gears for Heritage celebrations despite controversy". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  8. Knews (8 September 2008). "Santa Aratak Prepares for Heritage Day". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
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